Get Ready for Sightseeing in Sydney
Question: What can you do in a city that never sleeps? Answer: Anything you can imagine!
Travelling to one of Australia's largest and most glamorous cities, Sydney can be your best holiday yet.
Here's how - with the correct to-do list and a little help.
And guess what? You've hit the right page.
We've found Sydney's best sightseeing tours for 2023 for you. Whether you're a Sydneysider or holidaying with your family, THIS is what you need.
Walking Tours
The Rocks District Tour
This walking tour takes you back in time and lets you explore Sydney's most iconic neighbourhood - The Rocks district.
With jaw-dropping views of the magnificent Sydney Harbour and Opera House, gorgeous 19th-century buildings, and the vibrant Rocks Square along the route, you won't want this tour to end!
Highlight: Exploring one of Australia's first British settlements.
Grab your walking shoes and book your spot today!
Night Photography
Saying Sydney dazzles at night would be an understatement.
It's a dreamland of fairy lights, with endless opportunities to ace your Insta game.
This night walk, which is dedicated to photography, lets you sharpen skills like managing ISO control, shutter speed, etc., apart from teaching you to master the art of composition.
Highlight: Having an ace photographer guide you in a tricky environment.
Nature Tours
Scones and Hiking
Pristine natural beauty with freshly baked scones…what else does one need on a holiday?
This guided hike allows you to spend an entire day in the lush Illawarra National Park, discovering flora and fauna unique to the region.
Keep your eyes peeled as you and your family will likely spot rare owls, wallabies, endangered birds like finches, and wedge-tailed eagles.
Tip: Pick your favourite jam when you book the tour; it will be served with homemade scones and cream.
Highlight: Savouring fresh homemade scones in the jungle, made specially by the tour guide's mum.
Blue Mountains Private Tour
Lace up your shoes and embark on an epic journey.
Millions (YES!) of eucalyptus trees and ancient rainforests await you on the private Blue Mountains tour.
You'll see mysterious sandstone formations standing as a testament to the fantastic forces of nature.
With sweeping vistas of the Jamison Valley and the Three Sisters, this is mind-blowing.
Later, prepare yourself and your family for the ultimate wildlife experience at Featherdale Wildlife Park with koalas, wallabies, wombats, kangaroos and Tasmanian devils.
Highlight: Exploring breathtaking areas at your own pace.
Manly Cove Kayaking
Manly Cove's beauty is surreal, with secluded beaches, turquoise waters, waterfalls, and caves.
Before you start, you get a safety briefing and paddling demo.
Then, all you do is relax and gently paddle away, passing by historic landmarks like Quarantine Station.
Take the chance to swim and enjoy with your family when you visit four beaches on this tour.
Highlight: Four beautiful beaches - enough said.
Bus Tours
Hop-On-Hop-Off Rides
What's better than relaxing in an open-top Sydney sightseeing bus as you tour with your family through all of Sydney's famous landmarks?
Hop on this bus and enjoy the views while listening to tales of the city on the multi-lingual audio guide.
The tour has designated stops, but you can hop on and off the bus as often as possible based on your ticket validity.
Highlight: Flexibility of getting on and off when you wish to
Happy Hours
Vins & Gins
A boozy adventure that takes you behind the scenes of Sydney's best drink makers.
You'll visit a brewery, an urban winery, and a distillery, where you taste their finest drinks and dive deep into the fascinating production processes.
The best part is that the venues change depending on the day you visit because all breweries aren't open daily, making each tour unique!
Highlight: A brewery, winery and distillery in one day
Best of Hunter Valley
Indulge in Australia's exquisite wines in the beautiful Hunter Valley wine region, along with the finest cheese and chocolates.
This isn't a dream; it's a day tour tailor-made for wine enthusiasts.
Embark on a premium signature experience that ensures a memorable day with insider knowledge of three top wineries and their produce.
Highlight: Checking out the finest wineries in Hunter Valley.
Convicts and Champagne
This is your chance to see Sydney's convict past on the historic Goat Island.
On a laidback cruise, enjoy lunch while listening to tales and legends, along with chilled champagne.
Sailing along gorgeous views of the harbour, you'll get to follow the footsteps of Australia's early convicts, led by an expert.
Highlight: Hearing tales of punishment, death, and escapes while visiting iconic sites
Wine Under The Stars
How often do you get a chance to learn about the intriguing world of planets, galaxies, stars, and constellations from an ace astrophysicist?
And while sipping the best wine and enjoying nibbles by the firepit!
You'll love this one-of-a-kind journey to Dryridge Estate, a splendid vineyard in the Megalong Valley, where stars blanketing the sky will create insanely beautiful views that'll linger long in the memory.
Highlight: Stargazing with an astrophysicist - now, that's ultra cool.
Historic Pubs
Ready for 2.5 happy hours? Well, that's what this tour is all about.
Your guide will lead you through The Rocks' cobbled streets to four Sydney pubs, including the city's oldest watering hole.
As you get to taste their best beers and ciders, you'll hear stories about Australia’s first European settlement, along with myths and legends of haunted spots and bubonic plagues.
Trust us; you don't want to miss this.
Highlight: Visiting four ancient pubs while hearing age-old tales
Ghost Walking Tour
Dark tourism enthusiasts, listen up!
On this guided tour, you're assured an evening of chills and thrills as you unravel the legends behind the city's haunted spots, especially in The Rocks district, visiting former slums, mass burials, and opium dens.
This stroll will be unforgettable. We guarantee it.
Warning: Not for the faint-hearted.
Highlight: Chills in the heart of the city!
Cycling Tours
Sydney Harbour
On this 2.5-hour cycling tour of Sydney, you'll love exploring its famous landmarks with your family as you pass splendid harbour views, pedalling past Circular Quay, Walsh Bay, Darling Harbour, Hyde Park, Sydney Opera House and the Royal Botanic Gardens.
All this while listening to your guide's fun stories of the city, makes it one of the best bike tours in Sydney.
Highlight: Viewing Sydney Harbour on wheels
Opera House Tour
Embark on the Sydney Opera House Architectural tour - a distinctive journey narrating how Australia and Danish visionary Jørn Utzon etched its mark in world history.
Explore the convergence of visionaries, idealists, architects, engineers, pragmatists, and artists who collectively crafted this architectural and engineering masterpiece, pushing the boundaries of what was possible during that era.
Highlight: Understanding what makes the Opera House's architecture special.
Adventures
Choppers and Harleys
If you're a bike lover or a Harley Davidson enthusiast, do yourself a favour and book this ride!
It's an adventure where you'll explore the city riding a Chopper4 or a Harley Davidson, discovering popular spots with excellent views like the Royal Botanical Gardens, Mrs. Macquarie's Point, Kings Cross, Woolloomoolloo, and the famous Harry Cafe De Wheels.
Highlight: A thrilling Harley ride (without paying the price to own one)!
Helicopter Tour
A 20-minute aerial tour over Sydney's iconic landmarks offers stunning panoramic views of the skyline, the Pacific Ocean, and the historic port of Botany Bay - all from your comfy seat.
On this sky-high adventure, you'll fly over the famous Bondi Beach, Maroubra Beach, and the most click-worthy coastline you've ever seen - what other motivation do you need?
Highlight: A once-in-a-lifetime, bird's eye view of Sydney.
Fish Market Behind the Scenes
Go behind the scenes on the busy auction floor of Sydney's third-biggest seafood market with a market expert.
If you love off-beat experiences, this one's for you.
What's more? Your kids will experience a hands-on class and also cherish these unforgettable memories.
Highlight: Live demonstrations of oyster shucking.
One-of-a-kind City Break
Can you believe Sydney's got it all? We're talking historic landmarks, stunning natural beauty, nightlife that's alive, drool-worthy cuisines, and moments worthy of your Insta feed - all right within the city! This holiday promises one fantastic experience after another. So, have you packed your bags already?
Commonly Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Sydney?
The best times to visit Sydney are from September to November and February to May – that's when the weather's just right, and the tourist hustle isn't too crazy. But hey, if you're on a budget, June to August is your go-to, thanks to Sydney's winter season, with cheaper prices all around.
Do I need to pre-book the tours?
It's best if you pre-book online for added convenience.
Can I swim on Sydney's beaches?
Yes! Visitors and locals alike love to go for swims in Sydney. But there are specific beaches designated safe for swimming, so do keep in mind that you can't swim everywhere.
Where can I find good food in Sydney?
Places like Chinatown, Darlinghurst, Surry Hills, and Newtown. Don't miss the seafood in Sydney!
What currency can I use in Sydney?
In Australia, the official currency is the Australian dollar (AUD), available in notes of $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100. Coins come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, and 50 cents, as well as one and two dollars.